Spire Homes help Kath celebrate her 102nd birthday

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Friday 30th May saw Spire Homes resident, Kathleen Mumford, celebrate her 102nd birthday with her fellow residents at Strongland’s Court in Oundle and members of staff from Spire Homes who organised a party to celebrate.

John Farrar, Chairman of Spire Homes, which is a member of the Longhurst Group of companies, presented her with a bunch of flowers on behalf of the housing association. “It’s wonderful to be celebrating such a special birthday!" Said John. "It’s clear that everyone here has a great deal of love for Kath and I feel very privileged to be here to mark the occasion.”

Kath has enjoyed living in Oundle for more than 30 years, making her Spire’s oldest resident!

A retired professional ballet dancer and teacher, Kath enjoyed a prestigious career teaching in London, Wales, Bristol and Peterborough. After suffering a heart attack at 68, she stopped dancing but continued to teach in her home.

“It really was fate that I moved to Strongland’s Court! I’d been looking for a new home that was a bit more affordable and in conversation, someone told me about sheltered housing. It seemed like an ideal situation – I was still independent but there was support on hand if I needed it. When I went to look at housing, there was Strongland’s Court, and I moved in in a fortnight from starting my search!

“I’m so glad I moved here. I’ve made some fantastic friends and it’s really touching that people have gone to so much effort to celebrate my birthday with me. You need to make sure you can have a laugh, I’d recommend sheltered accommodation to anyone, it really is a fantastic way to live.”